Friday, March 13, 2015

Grocery Saving Tips!

I just absolutely DO NOT understand this coupon thing! I've clipped and searched sales adds, all that jazz, but I just don't get it. It's not clicking. Couponers, TEACH ME YOUR WAYS! =)

For all you non couponers like me, I have a few ways you can save money while grocery shopping WITHOUT COUPONS!

1) MAKE A MEAL PLAN

This one is pretty self explanatory, but oh well, here it is. Make a meal plan! If you shop once a week you can make a weekly meal plan, if you shop once a month you can make a monthly meal plan. Take an evening to sit down and plan out your meals. It might take you an hour, but it will honestly save you money! Simply make a meal plan, and then make a list of the things you need for that plan. Be sure to shop you pantry before heading to the store, this way you don't buy anything that you already have and don't need.

This leads me right to my next tip!

2) COOK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!

Like I said before, shop your pantry. You might have some mismatched objects in there, but get creative! Before you give in and head to the grocery store for the tenth time, see what you can come up with out of what's in your pantry and fridge.

I remember when I was younger, my brother and I used to have a little CHOPPED competition in my moms kitchen when just about time to head to the grocery store. We would see who could come up with the best dish out of whatever mom had in the pantry and fridge. You can do that too! Once a week have a little family competition and see who can come up with the best dish! Not only can you save money, but it's a great way to have a fun family night!

3) PLAN YOUR MEALS AROUND WHAT'S ON SALE!

When you make your meal plan, get a local newspaper and see what's on sale in your area. This way you can plan your meals accordingly.

4) GO TO THE STORE ONLY ONCE A WEEK!

I know this is hard, but trust me, it works! If you run out of something, tough. Come up with something else to make. You run out of milk, oh well. Eat oatmeal for breakfast instead of cereal.

Now I know sometimes we just can't help it, so when you absolutely need something from the store, send someone who will only come out with that one thing. If I go in Walmart for a gallon of milk, I come out with $40 worth of stuff I just HAD to have, and most of the time I forget the milk! My boyfriend it the complete opposite. If he goes in for milk, he comes out with milk and nothing else. I'd love to have that kind of self restraint.

5) PRICE MATCH!

Honestly, this is simple. You find the price of something is way lower at another store, find a store that will match that price. Most stores will price match if you ask, just be sure to have proof of the sale item, like a weekly circular or online add.

*If you do use coupons, you can use them when you price match for extra savings!

Just be sure to know your stores price matching procedure. Search online or ask someone in the store.

Walmart is really great about price matching. To check out their price matching rules, click here!

6) BUY IN BULK!

Be sure to save enough money in your budget to stock up on essential items when they're at rock bottom prices! If your family has oatmeal every morning and it's on sale that week for $1 a box, don't just get one box, stock up! Always buy in bulk when you can, and watch your savings go way up!

7) SHOP MANAGER SPECIALS!

You can find manager specials on meats, dairy, produce, and bakes goods that are getting ready to go bad. DO NOT BE AFRAID! Most of the time there is nothing at all wrong with these items, but be sure to look them over and make sure they don't look or smell bad.

Also, don't be afraid of the meat. As long as you freeze it before it goes bad, you're golden.

Just be sure to watch the expiration dates on everything.

8) GET A STORE SAVINGS CARD!

If you don't already have a store savings card, get it now! This little card can save you a fortune! With store cards you get in store and online coupon saving. These are gems!

I use my Kroger card every time I shop, and not only do I save tons of money, but they also send you coupons in the mail! Additionally, you can get on the Kroger website and download online coupons on your card that can be used in the store!

If you haven't discovered this little jewel, allow me to introduce you! With the FAVADO app you can compare prices from your local stores to see who has the best savings! Simply put your stores into the app and then search for items! It'll tell you which store has the best price for anything you're looking for. You're welcome.

Use up leftovers, freeze those veggies that are getting ready to go bad. Save whatever you can to stretch your budget. You'd be surprised how much food gets wasted because it goes bad.

Have a loaf of bread that's getting stale? Make homemade breadcrumbs out of it! Have fruits and veggies that are getting ready to go bad? Freeze them! It's a simple and easy way to stretch what you have!

How easy is that?!!!

No coupons, no fuss, just simple ways to save money. It's easy. All it takes is a little time and effort. Make a budget and stick to it. Come up with a meal plan that sticks to your budget, and that's it. Anyone can do it as long as they put a little bit of effort into it! =)

*LOZO!

Now if you just can't help yourself and you have to use coupons, go checkout LOZO! It's an online coupon database that find any coupon you type in. Just search for whatever is on your grocery list, and if there's a coupon, LOZO can find it!

Do you guys have any grocery money saving tips? I'd love to hear about them! I'm always looking for ways to save a little extra!

*It's okay to use any of my posts or pictures, as long as you provide a link back to my page or proper credit is given. Thanks in advance!

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About Me

My name is Heather Hale-Sammons, I'm 27, happily married, and I'm from southern West Virginia!! I'm a Christian and I love the Lord! I have a passion for reading, cooking, and crafts! Because of this, you'll find all of the above on my blog, easyentertaining365. I share easy recipes, book reviews (in Book Talk), and easy crafts and diy's (in Craft Time). I have recently added a Bible Study page onto my blog, so come and learn more about our Savior with me! Visit my blog here. Feel free to leave lots of comments, and thanks for stopping by! God bless!!